Tomato Sausage Risotto

Risotto is a classic Italian dish, one that my husband and I love. This recipe for Tomato Sausage Risotto is the first risotto that I made and it is still our favorite to this day. In fact, we love it so much, I make it at least once a month. On occasion, I will switch it up and make either Creamy Mushroom Risotto or Three Cheese Risotto. What I love most about this recipe is it makes it seem like you cooked for hours in the kitchen, but it is ready in under 45 minutes.

I love serving is Tomato Sausage Risotto with my tasty Artisan Breadsticks, which brings the taste of Italy right to your home.

Until I had risotto for the first time, I never really knew what it was. Even now when my kids ask is this pasta or rice I am all perplexed. None the less it is a rice.

What Is Risotto?

Risotto is an Italian rice dish, known for its creaminess, texture, and elegance. Made from a short-grained variety of rice called arborio rice. Cooked by adding small amounts of hot broth or wine while allowing the liquid to be absorbed. Traditionally made with lots of cheese.

I love ordering different variations of risotto when I go out to eat, I believe my favorite recipe is Chimney Park’s Lemon Risotto paired with their seared scallops, literally you can’t dream up a better meal.

My daughter Jersery hates really any kind of pasta, but she will eat up risotto. I think the reason y family are such big fans of risooto is the fact that we make it with lots of cheese. So it is like a creamy, more elevated version of Mac & Cheese.

While risooto doesn’t take much time, you do have to be attentive while cooking, constantly stiring and making sure the liquid is absorbing at the right pace. But the little attention you give this dish will pay off with great rewards.

How do you make Tomato Sausage Risotto?

In a small saucepan, combine tomatoes (with their juice) and 3 cups water. Bring to a simmer; keep warm over low heat.

In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add sausage and onion; season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up the sausage until sausage is cooked and onion has softened about 3-5 minutes.

Add about 2 cups of the hot tomato mixture to rice; simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until absorbed, 4 to 5 minutes. Continue adding tomato mixture, 1 cup at a time, waiting for it to be absorbed before adding the next, stirring occasionally, until rice is creamy and just tender, about 25 minutes total. (You may not have to use all the liquid.)

Remove from heat. Stir in spinach, parmesan, and butter; season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately (risotto will thicken as it cools), and sprinkle with additional parmesan, if desired.

Be sure to pair this Tomato Sausage Risotto with a nice green salad, we love a simple Kale Salad with lemon juice and salt and pepper.

Don’t forget to pin this to your favorite Pinterest board to save for later!

Add about 2 cups of the hot tomato mixture to rice; simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until absorbed, 4 to 5 minutes. Continue adding tomato mixture, 1 cup at a time, waiting for it to be absorbed before adding the next, stirring occasionally, until rice is creamy and just tender, about 25 minutes total. (You may not have to use all the liquid.)

Remove from heat. Stir in spinach, parmesan, and butter; season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately (risotto will thicken as it cools), and sprinkle with additional parmesan, if desired.

I first posted this recipe on my blog in 2013. At that time, I really didn’t write much about the recipe but simply posted one photo and reviews of the recipe from yself and the kids. Blogging has changed so much since then but wanted to keep these reviews as a part of my memory and blog.

(2013) My review: This is one of those meals that I make monthly. It is easy to take to friends and family when they need a meal. It does well in the refrigerator and is as GREAT as a leftover but does not freeze well.

(2013) Kid’s reviews: They like this recipe BUT I will say be careful on the sausage you buy. Once I bought one that was a little too spicy and literally after one bite they were all crying. The next time I made it they were scared to try it again.